We understand that the forms of deliberation, public demonstration, journalistic work and the restriction of state violence are necessary conditions for social and political coexistence, the text signed by groups such as the Foundation for the Development of Sustainable Policies and the Community, Advocacy Network states.

During the week that has just ended, members of social and trade union organizations gathered around the Congress to reject a package of laws debated by the Chamber of Deputies.

The package provides for the privatization of public companies, the granting of legislative powers to the Executive and the declaration of a period of emergency, among other actions.

The Federal Police, the motorized police, the Gendarmerie and the Prefecture attacked the demonstrators with batons, tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets.

More than 20 people were arrested and dozens were injured, among them 30 press professionals.

The operation deployed was violent and disproportionate, outside the regulations in force. It was organized by the Ministry of Security with an excessive deployment of forces, the statement says.

The groups condemned the actions against freedom of expression and asserted that “within the Congress, the rules of procedure are being transgressed as the days of debate are passing on, an opinion that is not known, and which is being written outside the commissions as the sessions progress”.

jrr/arm/oda/gas